Yi qian or cong qian?

Dear friends, do you know the difference between “以前(yi3qian2)”or “从前(conɡ2qian2)”? Many Chinese learners are confused of the using the two Chinese words. Today online Mandarin tutor will help you to distinguish them.

In the Chinese language, both “以前(yi3qian2)”or “从前(conɡ2qian2)” can be used to refer to the past time, but the meanings of the two words are not exactly the same with each other and they are quite different in usage.

Our Mandarin tutor can tell you that “以前(yi3qian2)” refers generally to a time before now, and it can be placed at the beginning or the middle of a sentence. But “从前(conɡ2qian2)” is always used at the very beginning of a story.

Once upon a time, there was a castle in the mountain.

What’s more, “以前(yi3qian2)” can be used after time words while “从前(conɡ2qian2)” cannot.

Examples:

Boss:  Mike, qinɡ3 san1dian3 yi3qian2 lai2 wo3de ban4ɡonɡ1shi4.

Boss：Mike，请   三点     以前   来  我的   办公室。

Boss: Mike, please come to my office before three o’clock.

Besides, your private Chinese teacher can help you to know that “从前(conɡ2qian2)” always refers to a time far in the past, meaning “long long ago” or “once upon a time,” while “以前(yi3qian2)” is closer to the present, meaning “previously,” “...ago” or “before....”

Zhang Wen: I was a doctor previously.

Dear friends, welcome to visit our online Chinese language courses more and you will get a lot!

Source: 

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_863ba8180102v8pa.html